Recapping the Injuries week 18 2016

By Armando Marsal

As per usual, I will review some of the injuries that occurred in the weekend and what type of impact it may have. Let’s take a look at some of the injuries that occurred this week.

David Johnson – Cardinals: After what appeared to be a serious injury for Johnson, it was reported that he suffered an MCL sprain and no surgery would be necessary. This is great news for Johnson who is coming off of a monster season. He rushed for 1,239 yards and 16 touchdowns, as well as, caught 80 passes for 879 yards and four touchdowns. He should be good to go at the start of next season and will very likely be the No. 1 pick in most fantasy drafts.

LeSean McCoy – Bills: McCoy was carted off the field in Week 17, but he was able to return to the sidelines after being diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain. He was eligible to return, but the Bills decided to call it a day for their star back. McCoy finished with 1,267 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging a healthy 5.4 yards per carry. He also caught 50 passes for 356 yards and one touchdown. This should be a normal offseason for McCoy and he will be a top five running back heading into next season.

Jay Ajayi – Dolphins: Ajayi left in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game. He underwent X-Rays after the game, but it has not been disclosed for what exactly. He had been dealing with a shoulder injury and could have aggravated it. He is not expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Steelers at this time, but it is definitely something worth keeping a close eye on.

Matt McGloin – Raiders: A week after Derek Carr got hurt, McGloin hurts his shoulder and exited the Raiders season finale. The injury was to his non-throwing arm, but he is considered questionable for the first round of the playoffs. If he is unable to give it a go, Connor Cook would draw the start. It is something worth keeping an eye on for DFS purposes as it could impact the entire offense.

Tom Savage – Texans: Savage suffered a concussion in Sunday’s game and has been placed in the league’s concussion protocol. As of Tuesday, he had not been cleared and the Texans announced that Brock Osweiler will get the start against the Raiders. Osweiler was benched for his poor performance this season, so this could be his chance at redemption.

Jeremy Maclin – Chiefs: Maclin suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s game, but was able to play through it. The Chiefs have a first round bye, so he will get some extra time to rest and get healthier. However, it is definitely something that needs to be monitored.

Emmanuel Sanders – Broncos: Sanders exited Week 17 game with a left foot injury and never returned. This was certainly not the way he envisioned to end his season. He finished the year with 79 receptions for 1,032 yards and five touchdowns. Despite the quarterback situation in Denver, Sanders had himself another productive season. He will enter next season’s draft as a WR2.

Players with statuses up in the air for the Round 1 of the playoffs

Ryan Tannehill – Dolphins: Tannehill missed the final three games of the season with a knee injury. At this time it appears to be a long shot that he plays, but he has not been ruled out. It was reported that he was spotted walking without a limp and that the coaches will evaluate him this week before making a decision. We should have a better idea later in the week, but this is definitely a situation worth keep tabs on if you are playing DFS this weekend.

Randall Cobb – Packers: Cobb missed the Packers final two games with an ankle injury, but he is hopeful that he will play in the first round of the playoffs. He was not a huge factor on the offense this season, but Green Bay can certainly use his help against a tough Giants defense. His status is trending in the right direction, but there should be more clarification later in the week.